21 things every teacher should try:

Mixed Reality

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Mixed reality vs. Augmented Reality

You may have heard the terms ‘Mixed reality’ (MR) and ‘Augmented reality’ (AR) often used to describe the same thing but what is the difference between these two technologies and how can they be used to enhance teaching and learning?

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality has been around for a while, but really came to the forefront with the help of a little game called Pokemon Go! Augmented reality is the integration of digital content (graphics, animations, video, audio, 3D artefacts) and the real world –a virtual layer on top of reality.

One of my favourite AR tools is Aurasma (https://www.aurasma.com/). Aurasma is a free app which allows you to easily create your own AR experiences (Auras). Aurasma works in a similar way to a QR reader but, instead of using QR codes, it uses advanced image recognition software to overlay images, video and 3D content onto almost any object bringing display boards, art work and text books to life.

For Primary teachers, I also recommend Quiver. With Quiver app, students colour in one of the accompanying colouring-in sheets then watch their drawings come to life by scanning it with a tablet or smart phone. For example, students colour in a volcano and then watch their creation erupt in front of their very eyes. To find out more, visit: http://quivervision.com/Augmented reality can also be used to engage reluctant readers, as demonstrated by primary teacher Frankie O'Reilly. Written with the key stage 2 curriculum in mind, Ms O’Reilly’s children’s novel ‘The Boy with his Head Stuck in a Book’, uses augmented-reality to bring the pages to life as characters leap out the page.

‘The Boy with his Head Stuck in a Book’, uses augmented-reality to bring the pages to life.

Science: Create an interactive Periodic table where each element is linked to a video, web page or image which is activated when a student scans it with their device.

Geography/History: Create an interactive visitors centre. Students can use software such as Morfo, Telegami, iClone, Crazy Talk, iCan Animate, Movie Maker or Audacity (iMovie and Garageband if you are using a mac) to create interactive content which can be used to inform visitors about a local place of historical interest.

Art: Create an Interactive Tour Guide - Contact your local Art Gallery and get your students to create an interactive tour to provide visitors with additional information about the gallery's works.

Maths / Computing: Record a video explaining an equation or binary calculation and link it to a photo of the solution. Students scan the solution with their device and watch how the equation was solved right in front of their eyes.

How to create an AR experience with Doceo and Aurasma.

​Mixed Reality

Mixed reality (MR), also known as hybrid reality, is a form of augmented reality that is somewhere between Virtual Reality (VR) and AR. Whilst sharing several similarities with AR, the goal of mixed reality is to seamlessly merge virtual objects with the real world by anchoring them in relation to real world objects, such as on top of a table or on the ground, and make them appear is if they actually exist in the real world.

A perfect example of this is Windows Mixed Reality viewer. Blink and you may have missed it but a recent update for Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system called ‘Creators Update’ saw a number of new additions, more notably 3D paint and Mixed Reality viewer.

“My students loved seeing their prototype in the real world - it makes it very meaningful for them!” - @katjaborregaar

​With 3D paint you can build and paint 3D objects with relative ease but, when combined with Microsoft’s Mixed Reality viewer, students can see their creations come to life before their very eyes. 3D Paint is not the only program to receive a 3D makeover, PowerPoint now includes a fully functional 3D tool and a recent update to Minecraft Education Edition allows students to export your creations and augment them in the real world with the aid of Mixed Reality viewer. ​

Students see their #Minecraft creations come to life with Mixed Reality! – Image used with kind permission. Source: @katjaborregaar